The Succubus and her two Mates

25| An audience with the Queen

They were sitting at what was shaping up as their usual table, having lunch the next day. Brand and Ronnie's energy was more flirty than even the day before, touching each other under the table every chance they got. They'd all collapsed in bed after their shower, with Brock leaving before they woke up. Brand was unhappy at that, but he didn't voice anything to Ronnie. Brand understood it was all a lot for the other man, who was not the most emotionally intelligent person, but Brand was not feeling as patient as he was before, before, when the matebond was just the two of them.

Brock had been quiet all morning while they worked. Brand wanted to get into it with him, but considering he had not done any of his work the previous afternoon, he had a lot to get through. Not that he'd been able to concentrate much that morning, thinking about his time with Ronnie, the moments with Brock as well.

He knew he couldn't afford to skip off work again that afternoon, but spending time with her now, he was thinking he might need a bit longer for their lunch. He was about to suggest they retire, when there was a commotion by the doorway, breaking their attention on each other. They could see a ripple as people stood from their seats hastily and bowed.

Brand tensed and stood as he saw the Queen approach their table. Ronnie followed suit. When the Queen arrived at their table, she waved her hand, allowing everyone to sit. Brand and Ronnie remained standing.

"My Queen," Brand said in greeting.

Ronnie watched the woman. There was nervous energy coming off of her. The woman regarded Ronnie- today Ronnie was wearing her hair black in a loose braid over her left shoulder with human world black skinny jeans and a beautiful sleeveless tunic she'd found in her wardrobe, which was gray with silver threaded embroidery. She was the only woman to be wearing pants, from what Ronnie could see.

The Queen spoke, "I wish to request both of you to meet with me in the library."

"Request or ask?" Brand clarified.

The Queen paused and Ronnie definitely felt a little twinge of anger. It was sharp and brief.

"Ask," she clarified.

Brand looked at Ronnie. Ronnie frowned and shrugged. She thought she'd be better equipped to deal with this woman now. And Brock and Brand needed to continue living here and have a connection to her. Ronnie could leave any moment and didn't want to leave a fracture in her wake. Plus, even without understanding the workings of this aristocracy, she could tell the Queen allowing an avenue for them to decline her request was no mean feat - she had also come to collect them herself...

Brand accepted and started to follow the Queen. Ronnie couldn't help but speak up. "Oh, you mean now?"

The Queen nodded. Brand gave Ronnie a warm, comforting smile and took her hand. He didn't care about proper conduct at that moment.

The library was deep in the palace, a glorious room that had open levels for the full three levels of the palace, everything a deep dark wood and black leather. The glass dome roof was a frosted glass, allowing some natural light to enter the space.

Ronnie looked around in awe - she wasn't the most bookish person, but she was terribly impressed. The Queen took them into a back room. A fire was going, though it wasn't a cold day. It had a very cozy feeling. Ronnie had noticed a few places liked this and wondered if dragons liked dark, warm rooms. She knew werecats didn't mind it, though Brand wanted all the sunshine.

"We will speak candidly," the Queen stated.

Immediately, the feeling in the room was more relaxed, with Brand absorbing this concept and the Queen presenting a more earnest figure. They took a seat on plush leather sofas, Brand and Ronnie took a two seater lounge and the Queen sat in an armchair.